What does endometriosis have to do with the alimentary system? Endometriosis is the presence of functioning endometrial tissue outside the uterus. When this hormonally active tissue implants on intestinal surfaces, it can cause pain, cyclical bleeding, and obstructive symptoms.
What radiologic findings are associated with gallstone ileus? Air in gallbladder or biliary tree, SBO at the level of the ileocecal valve, large bowel obstruction at the sigmoid colon, and occasionally a calcified mass at the point of obstruction are associated with gallstone ileus.
What does plain radiographic study of the abdomen reveal in large bowel obstruction? A large bowel obstruction demonstrates differential air-fluid levels (stair steps) of the small intestine or a massively dilated colon. The colon is identified by the presence of haustral folds, compared with the valvulae conniventes of the small intestine. The rectum is usually …
X ray abdomen findings in large bowel obstruction Read More »
Do colon perforations from colonoscopy mandate surgical repair? Not all perforations require surgery. Sound clinical judgment is critical. Limited controlled perforations with minimal contamination generally seal spontaneously. Signs of systemic illness (tachycardia, fever, hypotension, increasing abdominal pain) generally require surgery
Why should elective surgery be performed after a successful endoscopic detorsion and decompression of a sigmoid volvulus? Recurrence is the rule with sigmoid volvulus. Elective sigmoid resection of prepped and decompressed bowel generally can be accomplished with very low mortality. Emergency operation for a sigmoid volvulus involves a higher mortality rate.
How is a nonstrangulated sigmoid volvulus treated? Treatment is with a rigid or flexible sigmoidoscopic or colonoscopic decompression, followed by elective sigmoid resection.
What are the findings of sigmoid volvulus on plain abdominal film and contrast enema? The plain film demonstrates a bent inner tube or coffee-bean sign of massively dilated, air-filled sigmoid colon arising out of the pelvis. The contrast enema shows a bird’s beak appearance as the colon narrows at the twist at the rectosigmoid junction.